Only agents and Air India benefitted from Haj subsidy, opines UT Khader

coastaldigest.com news network

January 17, 2018

Mangaluru, Jan 17: Welcoming the Union government's decision to withdraw Haj subsidy, Congress leader and Karnataka’s Minister for food and civil supplies UT Khader on Wednesday said that only the agents were benefitting by the subsidy, and not the people.

Speaking to reporters here, Khader said that only the agencies which arranged Haj tours for Muslims made money out of Haj subsidy scheme.

"I welcome the move and there is nothing wrong in cancelling the subsidy. According to Islam, those who wish to go to Haj, have to make their own financial arrangements. Earlier, the beneficiaries, who availed the subsidy, were made to fly mandatorily in Air India flights but now there will be no such restrictions. It will lead to a fair competition in the aviation industry. At the same time, pilgrims can book tickets six months in advance and it will also help them get tickets at a much cheaper and discounted rate," he added.

In 2012, the Supreme Court had ordered that the subsidy be stopped in a phased manner in five years. Finally, it has ended. However, some people to score brownie points with an intention of catering to a particular community, are claiming that it is a bold move.

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Post-Sabarimala pilgrimage drinking party turns fatal in Udupi; youth killed in midnight brawl

News Network

December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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